Trace the voices of British and Scottish women through literature, history, and place in this course that bridges classic texts and contemporary media. From Austen and Woolf to Bridgerton and Outlander, you’ll examine how setting, storytelling, and cultural context shape changing ideas about gender, power, and identity. With site visits in London, Bath, and Edinburgh, students connect the page to real-world locations and gain a deeper understanding of the landscapes that influenced both the writers and the stories that continue to spark conversation today.

What counts as “normal,”and who gets to decide? This course examines how definitions of mental illness and psychological abnormality vary across cultures, with a focus on British approaches past and present. Through site visits to places like the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, the Freud Museum, and Glenside Hospital Museum, students will explore how mental health has been understood, diagnosed, and treated in the UK. Conversations with local professionals provide insight into current practices, offering a thought-provoking lens on cultural differences in mental health care.

Explore the historic and cultural landscapes of London and Edinburgh, cities that have inspired generations of writers and poets. Visit iconic sites such as the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle, alongside ancient churches, theaters, and traditional pubs. This course centers on developing creative writing skills across short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction through workshops and peer critiques. As you engage with the region’s rich literary heritage, you’ll sharpen your own voice and storytelling craft within a dynamic and supportive learning environment in two of the UK’s most inspiring settings.

What happens when ethics intersect with medicine during moments of crisis and innovation? What rights do patients have? Why are doctor-patient relationships important? Examine these and other questions, including cloning, stem-cell research, and end-of-life care. Through visits in London such as the Old Operating Theatre, a cholera walking tour (don’t worry – it’s historical!), the Florence Nightingale Museum, and modern health care facilities, we’ll explore differences between US and UK approaches. We’ll visit the War Tunnels on a day trip to Dover Castle and look at medical ethics during pivotal moments in British wartime history.

What do a London gin distillery and an American dry county have in common? This course examines how alcohol is regulated, consumed, and understood in British and American societies, revealing the deep connections between culture, law, and public perception. Through site visits in London and Edinburgh, including historic pubs, distilleries, and museums, students explore how traditions around drinking reflect broader social values. The course also considers how policies from the Prohibition era in the United States compare to British approaches, offering insight into how culture and law shape behavior on both sides of the Atlantic.

Develop your photography skills while exploring London’s vibrant cultural landscape. This course offers personalized guidance for all skill levels as you build a portfolio that reflects your unique perspective. Photograph iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, discover hidden corners of the city, and deepen your creative eye through visits to galleries and museums. A trip to rural Wiltshire, the birthplace of photography, provides historical context and inspiration. Alongside technical training, you’ll learn to capture stories through thoughtful composition, color, and light.

Walk in the footsteps of the pioneers who uncovered Earth’s ancient past. This course traces the origins of modern geology and paleontology through field experiences in England and Scotland, where the earliest geologists first mapped deep time and unearthed extinct lifeforms. Visit one of the world’s leading natural history museums in London, explore Charles Darwin’s home, and hunt for fossils along the Jurassic Coast. Then travel north to investigate iconic geological sites in Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, where the story of our planet’s formation comes into vivid focus.

Experience London as both backdrop and subject while exploring how theatre, music, and visual arts reflect and shape urban life. Attend a wide range of performances, from Shakespeare at the Globe to new productions in smaller venues, and connect what you see on stage to London’s broader cultural landscape. Visits to museums, local galleries, and neighborhood arts spaces provide context for understanding how the city’s creative energy flows across time and disciplines. Through varied experiences across the city, you’ll examine how art and performance live within London’s streets, public spaces, and communities, revealing the dynamic relationship between culture and place.